I’m starting my column this month with some bad news.
Mary’s Country Kitchen in the 108 Mall, as of May 30th, has closed down for good.
Many thanks to Mary, Michael, Janice, Mia and Amy for the bad jokes, great food and excellent service over the years, you all will be dearly missed by those of us lucky enough to have sat at your table.
The 108 Heritage Site will host the summer market every Saturday for the warmer months, the second annual B.C. Trappers Camp Out on June 20, the Canada Day July 1 celebration and on July 26, the 50th anniversary of the Heritage Site. As a result, I thought that a little 108 Heritage Site historical background would be in order, thanks to Kelly Carnochan.
In 1867, the log 108 Roadhouse, referred to as the 108 Mile Hotel, was built on the north side of the road. (Across the highway from the present-day 108 Heritage Site), and was later moved to its current location. For reference, the first road car was not available until 1887!
In 1875, Agnus McVee, Jim McVee, and Agnus’s brother-in-law Al Riley allegedly ran the hotel until June 1885. They would go down in infamy as killers of guests and travellers, and were said to have stolen large sums of gold, and to have buried most of the gold at the site of the current heritage buildings.
In 1903, Clarence Tingley sold D.L. 76 (the official name for 108 Ranch) to Captain Geoffroy Watson for $11,000. For reference, one lot in 108 Ranch now averages $46,000.
In 1904, the 108 Roadhouse ceased to be a Roadhouse and a stopping place for travellers. Captain Watson turned it into a working cattle Ranch. He was a breeder of purebred Clydesdale horses and Highland Cattle. Captain Watson died in WW2, but his buildings and property at the current heritage site live on, thanks to the efforts of the 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site Committee.
It is run by a board and volunteers who all, tirelessly, put in long hours to bring you the community events, markets, tours and all the activities that go on behind the scenes throughout the year. Please support them as you are able and come out for the activities they put on for residents of 108 Ranch and tourists alike.
